Summary
WhileBatman: Caped Crusaderhas been labeled a spiritual successor toBatman: The Animated Series, the show has strayed from some of the biggest rules ofTAS. In 1992,Batman: TASset the new standard for an adapted version of Batman. Up to that point, there had been the Adam West show of the 1960s with colorful settings and characters, and Tim Burton’sBatmanstarring Michael Keaton, but the tone of the on-screen versions and the comics had a wide gap.
Batman: TAStook the characters back to their roots with a setting that was dark and dingy, and a story that wasn’t afraid of getting dark with brutal villains. However, certain restrictions still applied to the stories that took place in the show, with the censorship the series faced being infamous years later. Now,Batman: Caped Crusaderseeks to do something similar, but in episode 1, theshow is proving to be very different.
Batman: Caped Crusader Episode 1 Breaks The Animated Series' Gun Rule Several Times
The Animated Series' Censorship Doesn’t Apply To Caped Crusader
Batman: The Animated Serieshad a selection of rules and regulations that the show had to follow throughout its run, with things like alcohol and drugs being focal features of cartoon censor requirements. However, the show also notably had a rule making showing the use of handguns taboo, explaining the common use of different weaponry and some very creative approaches to certain moments and figures - and meaning that core plot aspects like the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents instead had to be shown in abstract ways.
This is perhaps best summed up by Mark Hamill’sXpost that shows an illustration by Bruce Timm detailing “all the censor’s no-no’s” when it came to the series.Batman: The Animated Seriesco-creator Eric Radomski revealed in a 2018 interview withScreenGeekthat the handgun censorship even prevented a script from being made reality, as “it was a very dramatic and tasteful sort of story, but they just couldn’t find justification for putting a gun as the focus of a story in a kid’s cartoon… the gun crossed the line”.
Batman: Caped Crusader, however, doesn’t have to follow the same rules, and this is shown in several different ways. Perhaps the most salient is thatthe first episode ofCaped Crusaderfeatures handguns prominently throughout its story, with Gotham’s crooks casually handling the weapons that were once something of a no-go forThe Animated Seriesas a focal story element from episode 1 onward.
As such, the first episode’s scenes of a handgun being directly aimed at Batman’s head - or Barbara Gordon wielding one, perhaps more importantly - seem like they would have been almost impossible for the prior release. This is a testament to the darker tone ofCaped Crusader, but also to the way in which attitudes towards animated releases also have changed, as more adult animated series likeBoJack HorsemanandRick and Mortyhave forwarded the concept that cartoons can be for older audiences.
Other Batman: The Animated Show Rules Caped Crusader’s First Episode Breaks
There Are Many More Changes In Caped Crusader
Batman: Caped Crusaderis forging a path that is independent ofTAS, and that’s easy to recognize in the number of changes the show makes. Despite a similar animation style, similar non-descript era, and the wide variety of villains for Batman to face off against, the show has clear differences throughout. Not only does the show clearly make an effort to target a more mature audience, considering theshow now features characters drinking alcohol and references to drugs, but it also changes how Batman and other heroic figures act in Gotham.
TASmade a big effort to put the focus firmly on Batman. He was central to any story, and the episodes played out in a way that largely focused on his perspective and adventures. While he had some help from Alfred, or others, Batman prefers to work alone. And in Gotham, most of the other characters who could or would be heroes are prepared to step aside and let him get to work. InBatman: Caped Crusader, much more focus is paid to the other characters,like Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, or Renee Montoya, who also investigates crime and tries to clean up Gotham.
Batman: Caped Crusader
Cast
Wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne, transformed by tragedy, takes on the mantle of Batman to combat the rampant corruption and crime in Gotham City. His vigilante actions attract both allies within the GCPD and City Hall and deadly adversaries, leading to unforeseen consequences. The series delves into the noir roots of Batman, exploring the psychological depths of Gotham’s inhabitants.
